Fukuoka Prefecture | A Cultural and Culinary Hub at the Heart of Kyushu
Fukuoka Prefecture | A Cultural and Culinary Hub at the Heart of Kyushu
Located in northern Kyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture has long served as Japan’s gateway to Asia. Historical sites like Hakata Port and Dazaifu highlight its legacy as a key center for international trade and political administration.
Today, Fukuoka City stands as Kyushu’s largest urban area, serving as the region’s economic, transportation, and cultural core.
Despite its modern development, the prefecture retains deep ties to its past, with landmarks such as Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and the retro charm of Mojiko offering glimpses into its rich heritage.
Fukuoka is also widely known for its culinary culture. Local specialties like Hakata ramen, motsunabe (offal hot pot), and mentaiko (spicy cod roe) are beloved across Japan. The city’s unique yatai (food stall) culture invites both locals and visitors to enjoy hearty meals in a warm, communal setting—an emblem of Fukuoka’s hospitality.
With its blend of history, culture, and food, Fukuoka Prefecture continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming center of Kyushu.
- Fukuoka City
- Fukuoka city
- Kitakyushu city
- Kurume city
- Approximately 5.1 million
- Dazaifu Tenmangu
- Fukuoka Tower
- Mojiko Retro
- Yatai Street Food Stalls
- Motsu Nabe – A hot pot dish made with beef or pork offal, vegetables, and a soy or miso-based broth.
- Hakata Ramen – A regional ramen featuring thin noodles in a rich, creamy pork bone (tonkotsu) broth.
- Hakata-ori – Hakata textile weaving
- Koishiwara-yaki [Itoshima area] – Koishiwara pottery
Mojiko Retro – A nostalgic port townscape where Meiji and Taisho-era architecture still stands.
Hakata Port and Port Tower at Night – A glittering night view with the iconic tower shining over the harbor.
Dazaifu Tenmangu – A historic shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, visited by students and worshippers from across Japan.
Motsunabe – A rich, flavorful hot pot featuring beef or pork offal, a specialty of Fukuoka.
Yanagawa – A picturesque “city of water” explored by traditional flat-bottomed boats along scenic canals.